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Mbiama community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State was agog penultimate Monday when the ancient and commercial border community between Bayelsa and Rivers states enthroned a new paramount ruler as a custodian of the culture and tradition of the Engenni.
This was as the community’s council of chiefs, women, youths and well-wishers from neighbouring states converged at the Mbiama primary school to witness the epic and historic coronation of the forty year old monarch, His Royal Highness, Otovie Smith Sylvanus.
The occasion was spiced with traditional cultural dance by the women and youth groups adorned in different colourful attires.
Our correspondent reports that the youthful HRH Sylvanus having been coronated as the eleventh Okilomakie (paramount ruler) of the community, described as the commercial nerve centre of the fast growing urban city among comity of towns in Rivers local government areas, said “with Mbiama’s strategic location along the East-West road the community has carved a niche for itself.
“Mbiama community is comparable with Aviele, Mararaba, Panpegua, Okene, Umunede, Obolo afor, Ohoror, Ofosu and more due to their location along major roads with heavy traffic.”
Speaking with newsmen, chairman of the occasion and managing director and CEO of the duo of Chrisnime Global Services Ltd and Inimex Energy Ltd, Mr Inime Karibo, harped on the need for support for the new paramount ruler towards the sustenance of peace, harmony and over all development of the business and commercial town.
He said that the monarch is a young, vibrant leader who has been tried, tested and trusted with antecedents worthy of emulation, noting that there were indications that the community is heading for better and promising future.
Installing the monarch, the Okilomu-Ibe (iii) of Engenni kingdom, HRM (King) Moore Ubuo, represented by the secretary, Engenni kingdom council of Traditional rulers and chiefs, HRH Amo Ididi, charged the people of Mbiama to give their unflinching support and cooperation, and also accord him the needed respect and honour.
He also urged the new monarch to rule with fear of God and constantly read the bible as his guide as he takes over the mantle of revered leadership as the paramount ruler of the people.
He reiterated that the Engenni council of chiefs is willing to work in synergy with all traditional rulers within the kingdom for the rapid socio-economic development of their communities, adding that Mbiama holds special significance due to its geographical location among communities of the kingdom and state.
Mbiama Community has become not only a tourist centre, especially with its market on every Tuesday which has been attracting traders from the north, south, west and eastern parts of Nigeria.
In the same vein, the arrival of the Okobaro 1 of Urhobo (traditional ruler) in Bayelsa State, HRM (King) Joshua Aweyu, with a retinue of chiefs decked in Urhobo traditional apparel further added pep and colour to the ceremony. Those in Okobaro’s entourage were Olorogun Aherhoke Okioma, Olorogun Charles Oruru, Olorogun Moses Dike and Chief Peter Ikoko.
Speaking to journalist after the coronation, the Urhobo traditional ruler described the installation of the Mbiama royal father as a ‘square peg in a square hole’.
According to the Urhobo monarch whose firm specializes in royal furniture, the Mbiama monarch, who is a friend, has the required capacity to reign over his people as king, noting that the Urhobo community in Bayelsa and those living and doing business in the community were ready to work for the development of the community.
Meanwhile, the new Mbiama monarch has again warned criminal elements to steer clear of the community, adding that his reign would not condone any form of crime and criminality.
He described peace as the only panacea to development.
The royal father mentioned that immediately after his emergence as traditional ruler-elect he swung into action, noting that Mbiama community under his leadership has become even safe as he has made it uncomfortable for hoodlums.
He also promised to respect, protect and project their cultural heritage, just as he vowed to rule with the fear of God and constant consultation with all stakeholders.
Earlier, in his welcome address, chairman of the coronation planning committee and chairman, community Development committee, CDC, Mbiama, Engr. Moore Sokari, said the vacuum created by the demise of their erstwhile paramount ruler a few years ago necessitated the election and subsequent installation of the new monarch.
Sokari described the new monarch as one who has served the community in many capacities, noting that he became the monarch-elect there has been significant progress in the scheme of things in the community. He added that with the monarch’s formal coronation, the community is ready to witness an era of peace and development.
“l therefore implore and urge all hands to be on deck and offer constructive criticisms that would endear progress and development to the community,” he said.
